Unveiling the Light

I have been pleasantly surprised at the reception given to Pope Benedict 16th and the tone of this visit. I think the entire Church and the world wondered at how this pope would be accepted as he followed Pope John Paul II and his charismatic and popular 25 years of service. We can all rest easy now. This pope has shown that he has his own gifts. Benedict has proven to be earnest, straight talking and charismatic in his own right. He is just what we need at this time.

It is certainly nice to heat Pope Benedict talk so honestly about the affect of the abuse scandal on the Church and the chastising he gave the U.S. bishops was well deserved. What is even better though is the high regard and high expectations he expressed regarding the American Church. He acknowledged the American Catholic Church’s contribution to the Catholic effort to ease poverty and bring hope to the world and its contributions to this nation as well. As he pointed out, we are not a quiet church content to stand in the background while the secular world moves forward. We demand to be part of the secular world and to be able to live out our faith as good citizens. We do not see the faith we worship and the lives we live to be unconnected.

I think many, within and outside the Church have been pleasantly surprised at the enthusiastic reception this Pope received. From the largest gathering ever at the White House to the very large stadiums filled with the faithful to join in the Mass with their Pope, this was a welcome celebration of the Catholic faith and should give hope to Christians of all denominations. The Pope recognized the challenges we face but had enthusiastic hope that we would not only face these challenges but would overcome them and thrive in living out our faith. The naysayers were few and not well seen while the many enthusiastic faithful were clearly visible and loudly heard.

For me and many Catholics this was a welcome shot in the arm. The recent scandals have made us timid in proclaiming our faith. Now perhaps we can begin the healing and move on to the task at hand. We can get back to proclaiming the Gospel of our Lord in how we live out our lives and to seeking to influence the direction this country moves in the future. For too long our heads have been bowed due to the actions of a few and the castigation of many who also need to look to their own house. Now we can regain our mission to serve Christ and to truly be the Body of Christ in the world. Let the Kingdom of God reign wherever we are gathered.

Thank you Pope Benedict. May God bless you and protect you on your journey.

Father Steven Foppiano